Marine species

The Isle of Man has a wealth of marine species in its waters and is popular with divers. Some of the larger species are protected under the Wildlife Act 1990 and extra care should be taken if approaching them. These species are listed below.

If you wish to venture closer to marine wildlife, look out for a WiSe (Wildlife Safe) accredited boat operator. They will have been on a course to ensure that their operation respects the wildlife that you wish to enjoy, without significant disturbance. Check the WiSe Scheme Website for a list of these operators.

Marine protected species in Manx waters

Around the Isle of Man we are lucky to have diverse marine life. This diversity ranges from tiny snails and seaweeds to some of the biggest animals on the planet.

One of the most well-known marine animals we encounter is the seal. There are 2 species of seals in Manx waters, by far the most common is the grey seal, but we also get small numbers of common seals too.

Grey seals: This is the species we see most often around the Isle of Man, particularly around the Calf of Man and at Maughold. Grey seals also breed around the Island.

Photo – Stephen Westcott

 

The Isle of Man is known internationally as a hotspot for basking sharks. The second biggest fish in the world is seen mainly in June and July, but can be seen all year round.

Basking shark: These fish grow to well over 8 metres (24 ft) in length. They are most commonly seen around the south west of the Island in June and July.

Photo – Maura Mitchell

 

Perhaps less well known is the frequency with which we are visited by cetaceans – whales and dolphins. Harbour porpoises, bottlenosed dolphins, minke whales and even killer whales are seen fairly regularly. Many other species of cetacean are occasional visitors too.

Harbour porpoise: Harbour porpoises are often seen off the Ayres and around the Calf of Man.

Photo - Colin Speedie (WiSe)

 

Perhaps our most surprising visitor is the leatherback turtle. These can grow to well over 2 metres in length (over 6ft) and are seen occasionally around Manx shores. There have been 1 or 2 sightings reported each year over the past few years. Four other species of sea turtles have also been recorded in UK waters.

Leatherback turtle: These are rarely sighted but do use waters around the Isle of Man, feeding on jellyfish. If you are lucky enough to see one, let us know!

Photo – Colin Speedie (WiSe).

 

Marine species protected under the Manx Wildlife Act

• Seals (all species)
• Basking shark
• Marine turtles (all species)
• Whales, dolphins and porpoises (all species)
• Seabirds (all species)
• Eelgrass (seagrass)

Protection under the Manx Wildlife Act

Under the Manx Wildlife Act 1990, all of these species are protected from harm and disturbance. It is therefore an offence to recklessly disturb any of these species. Such disturbance could result in prosecution, with a penalty of up to £5000.

Intentional capture of these species is now rare, but some are at risk from disturbance, for example, seals at the haul-out sites and when they are pupping. Disturbance of marine wildlife can be particularly damaging during the breeding season. Some species are at risk from accidental collisions with boats – for example basking sharks are seen around our coast with injury that could occur by boat or jet ski impact. Accidental capture of marine mammals like harbour porpoises as bycatch in some types of fishing is also a problem throughout the British Isles.

By increasing boat-users’ awareness of the location and behaviour of these animals it is hoped that accidental impacts will be avoided. Look out for WiSe accredited boat operators who have received special training for wildlife friendly boat operation.